Twinkle-toed Newry priest showcases his moves for Bosco fundraiser

April 18, 2016

A dancing priest from Newry looks set to steal the show at St. John Bosco GAC’s upcoming Strictly Come Dancing fundraiser.

Fr Colum Murphy, curate at Newry Cathedral, has been showcasing his moves in a hilarious video posted online to launch the GAA club’s charity event next month. The twinkle-toed cleric is featured descending the steps of the city’s cathedral before bursting into an all-singing, all-dancing routine through Hill Street to the tune of “Is this the way to Amarillo.” Sporting a pink bow tie, braces and bowler hat, Fr Colum leads a procession of dancers and club members who join in along the way, singing, waving flags and clapping along to the classic Tony Christie track.

The highly entertaining video was put together to promote the Strictly Come Dancing charity event which takes place in the Canal Court Hotel on May 6th, to raise funds for the St John Bosco club as well as the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and a fund set up following the death of former St John Bosco player Eamonn Morgan in a dune buggy crash in Qatar last year.

Fr Murphy, who is chaplain to the club, will be busting his moves along with 50 other dancers who will take to the floor on the night for a twist to the usual Strictly format – as part of a number of dance troupes as opposed to couples.

The city club and the two charities are much loved by the people of Newry, who are expected to turn out in force to support the fundraiser.

“People are coming from over Newry and further afield to support this, there’s a great community spirit,” said Paul MacCormaic from the Bosco club.

“Eamonn was a Bosco senior team player and we were all devastated when he died, but something like this keeps his memory alive.

“It’s something that’s very close to home and very close to our hearts.”

Despite the fact that KBRT founder, Collie Bell, is a rival Mitchells man, Paul jokingly insists that they will put the rivalry aside and are delighted to raise funds for the renowned repatriation charity.

Mr MacCormaic said the club are thrilled to have Fr Colum on board and proud to have him as chaplain, describing the priest as a “great support” to the club in the wake of former player Eamonn Morgan’s death.

“While we are doing Strictly Come Dancing, we’re doing it a bit differently and it’s various dance troupes rather than couples,” added Paul.

“We have Newry Panto Players as well as a Gaelic for Mothers group and there’s also a number of footballers and mentors taking part. People involved are aged from eight to 80.”

Fr Murphy is part of a group of four dancers called Heavenly Stars and will dance to four different numbers on the night. He admits that while he is nervous about his upcoming performance, he is also looking forward to tripping the light fantastic.

“Rehearsals are picking up, there’s been lots of dancing, much of it bad dancing so far, but we will be getting in more as the time gets closer,” he said.

“It’s all in a great cause as well, it will be great craic and great publicity for all involved.”

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are still available for the much anticipated event. For further information, contact Paul MacCormaic on 07872 837939.